Most of us learned to build a fire by piling kindling under the logs and lighting the bottom. There is a better way. The top-down method — large logs on the bottom, kindling and tinder on top — lights cleaner, smokes far less at startup, and leaves noticeably less creosote in the flue. For the older fireplaces common in Western Springs, it is one of the easiest upgrades a homeowner can make.
Why top-down burns cleaner
A traditional bottom-up fire smolders as the flames work down into a dense pile, and that cool, smoky smolder is exactly what coats a flue with creosote. A top-down fire lights the small material first, up in the open air near the damper, so it burns hot and bright immediately and warms the flue quickly. The heat radiates down and ignites the larger logs gradually, with far less smoke.
How to build one
- Lay your largest logs on the bottom of the firebox, side by side
- Add a second layer of medium splits crosswise on top
- Add a layer of small kindling crosswise above that
- Top it with tinder — a few natural fire starters or tightly twisted newspaper
- Light the very top and leave the damper fully open
What to expect
The fire looks modest for the first few minutes, then establishes a strong, quiet flame that works its way down over the next twenty to thirty minutes. You will not need to poke or rebuild it, and you will see far less of the rollout smoke that a cold, tall Western Springs flue tends to produce at startup.
It is not a substitute for sweeping
Burning clean slows creosote buildup, but it does not remove what is already there, and it will not catch a cracked liner or a failing crown. Pair good fire habits with an annual sweep and inspection and your chimney stays both clean and safe.
Homeowners in Western Springs can read more on our Western Springs chimney sweep page, or see our full chimney sweeping service.
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Call (708) 432-5330Frequently asked questions
Does the top-down method really reduce creosote?
Yes. By burning hot and bright from the start instead of smoldering, it produces less of the cool smoke that condenses into creosote on the flue walls.
What wood should I use?
Seasoned hardwood dried under 20 percent moisture. Dry wood is what makes any method burn cleanly; wet wood smokes no matter how you stack it.
Do I still need to open the damper fully?
Always, for any fire. A top-down fire especially benefits from a fully open damper and a warmed flue at startup.
Will this help my fireplace stop smoking?
It helps with startup smoke in tall or cold flues. Persistent smoking usually points to creosote, a blockage, or a draft issue that an inspection can pinpoint.
Written by Adam Evans, owner of Chimney Sweep Brothers and a chimney technician with 12 years of experience serving La Grange, IL and the western suburbs.
Published: September 24, 2026